Looking north at Preston Island from Brother Jonathon Overlook
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Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial

4.7
·3 reviews·Crescent City, United States

Commemorates the tragic 1865 shipwreck of the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan, offering historical reflection and scenic ocean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Clear views and historical context

CrowdLow
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Looking north at Preston Island from Brother Jonathon Overlook

Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial

Best Time

Daytime

Clear views and historical context

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Commemorates the tragic 1865 shipwreck of the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan, offering historical reflection and scenic ocean views.

4.7
(3 reviews)

"A poignant tribute to lives lost with beautiful ocean views from the overlook."

Vertical photo
TIP

Reflect on History

Take time to read the memorial and historic marker for a deeper understanding.

Oceanfront Parking

Park across the street for direct ocean views and easy access to the memorial.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Brother Jonathan Memorial

Brother Jonathan Memorial

Middle of the park

A poignant tribute to those lost in the 1865 shipwreck, detailing survivors and historical significance.

Ocean Views

Ocean Views

Across the street from the memorial

Enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from the designated parking area.

Historic Marker

Historic Marker

At the memorial site

Read the California Registered Historical Landmark plaque detailing the ship's wreck and its date.

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Understand the History

This overlook commemorates the tragic wreck of the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan in 1865. Take a moment to read the historic marker and reflect on the lives lost. Reddit

Best Viewing Spot

The memorial is centrally located within the park. Parking is available across the street, offering direct ocean views. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Clear views and historical context
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Reflect on History

Take time to read the memorial and historic marker for a deeper understanding. Reddit

Oceanfront Parking

Park across the street for direct ocean views and easy access to the memorial. Reddit

Coastal Scenery

Enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean vistas from this scenic overlook. :ocean:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Reflect on History

Take time to read the memorial and historic marker for a deeper understanding. Reddit

Oceanfront Parking

Park across the street for direct ocean views and easy access to the memorial. Reddit

Coastal Scenery

Enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean vistas from this scenic overlook. :ocean:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial for its historical significance and scenic ocean views. It's a place that prompts reflection on a past maritime tragedy. While the memorial itself is the main draw, the accessible parking and coastal vistas add to the experience.

"A great location and the memorial remind us of something that happened in the past.
"This memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the wreck of the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan at point St. George's Reef, July 30, 1865." Its located in the middle of the park and there's a parking lot across the street with the ocean view."

Town Traveller

"Interesting shipwreck history with list of those who survived."

Ed Cotton

"The historic marker reads:

This memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the wreck of the Pacific Mail Steamer, Brother Jonathan, at point St. George's Reef, July 30, 1865.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 541

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Del Norte County Historical Society, October 20, 1960."

NoeHill Webmaster

What People Like

Historical significance
Ocean views
Reflective atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The overlook is located in a park with parking available across the street from the memorial. Specific driving directions would depend on your starting point, but it's a scenic coastal drive. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking lot located across the street from the memorial, offering convenient access and ocean views. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial is free. It's a public park space. Reddit

As an outdoor public space, the overlook is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours posted. :clock1:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's a memorial site dedicated to the lives lost in the wreck of the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan on July 30, 1865, near St. George's Reef. Reddit

You can see the memorial monument, a historic marker detailing the shipwreck, and beautiful ocean views from the parking area. Reddit

The memorial is centrally located, and parking is available nearby. It's generally an easy stop with minimal walking required to see the main features. :athletic_shoe:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the memorial itself, the historic plaque, and the sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas. The coastal scenery provides a dramatic backdrop. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs

For those fascinated by maritime history and shipwrecks, the Brother Jonathan Overlook is a must-visit. The detailed historic marker provides crucial information about the 1865 disaster, including the ship's name, the date of the wreck, and the location of St. George's Reef. Reddit Take your time to read the plaque and absorb the historical significance of this site. It's a direct connection to a pivotal moment in California's maritime past.

Scenic View Seekers

If you appreciate beautiful coastal scenery, the Brother Jonathan Overlook offers lovely ocean views. The parking area across from the memorial provides a prime spot to take in the vastness of the Pacific. Reddit It's a great place for a brief stop to enjoy the sea air and the picturesque landscape, especially during the day when visibility is best.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tragic Wreck of the Brother Jonathan

The Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial stands as a somber reminder of a significant maritime disaster. On July 30, 1865, the Pacific Mail steamer Brother Jonathan met its tragic end near St. George's Reef. The ship was carrying a valuable cargo and many passengers, including prominent figures. The wreck resulted in a significant loss of life, with many perishing due to the treacherous conditions and the ship's unfortunate encounter with the reef. Reddit

The memorial, designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 541, serves to honor those who were lost. A historic marker at the site provides details about the event, including the date of the wreck and a list of survivors. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the visit, encouraging reflection on the past and the resilience of those who survived. Reddit

Experiencing the Overlook

Visiting the Brother Jonathan Overlook and Memorial is a straightforward and reflective experience. The memorial itself is situated in the middle of a park area, making it easily accessible. For visitors, the most convenient option is to utilize the parking lot located directly across the street from the memorial. This vantage point not only provides easy access to the monument but also offers expansive and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Reddit

While the primary focus is the historical memorial, the natural beauty of the coastline is an undeniable draw. The sound of the waves and the vastness of the ocean create a serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation. It's a place where history and nature converge, offering a moment of pause and remembrance against a stunning backdrop. :ocean:

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